What is the common antidote for acetaminophen overdose?

N-acetylcysteine is the common antidote for acetaminophen overdose because it acts as a precursor to glutathione, a substance that is crucial for neutralizing toxic metabolites produced when acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver. In cases of overdose, the body depletes its glutathione stores, leading to liver damage due to the accumulation of these harmful metabolites. N-acetylcysteine helps replenish glutathione levels, facilitating the detoxification process and protecting the liver from injury when administered within a certain time frame following the overdose.

Other treatments, such as activated charcoal, may be utilized in certain overdose situations to reduce the absorption of the drug if administered shortly after ingestion, but they do not address the toxic effects once acetaminophen has already entered the systemic circulation. Atropine is used to treat bradycardia and organophosphate poisoning, while vitamin K is relevant in the management of anticoagulant toxicity. These agents do not have a role in the treatment of acetaminophen overdose.